Waders For The Surf

[NCGREG]

Hi, I have been detecting for a few years now, and I do most of my hunting in and on the salt water beaches. I really love hunting the surf in the Winter months, that's my favorite time of the year for beach metal detecting. I'm probably like the rest of you guys, in that, I hunt anywhere from up to the chair line all the way down to, and out in the water around waist deep or so, depending on the tide, weather conditions, and if the surf is calm or not.

I need a pair of chest waders, but unfortunately I don't have mega bucks to invest in them. I found a pair advertised online and was wondering if any of you have any experience with this particular brand and model. I do like the fact that they are "bootless" and that means a lot less weight for my lower back to have to haul around. I could just wear a pair of lightweight shoes with them, instead of the built-in rubber boot types.

Here's what I need them to be,

(1) Gotta be Comfortable
(2) Gotta be leak proof
(3) Gotta be warm
(4) Gotta be lightweight and not heavy

Please tell me what you think. And if anyone knows anything about these don't hesitate to chime in.. and thank you for any, and all help or advice.

Greg

Field & Stream Neoprene Chest Waders - Dick's Sporting Goods

 

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[NCGREG]

Please tell me what you think. And if anyone knows anything about these don't hesitate to chime in.. and thank you for any, and all help or advice.

Such a helpful and friendly group! Sorry I wasted my time here ;-)

 

[CSMPEREZ]

You didn't mention water temperatures!! We use wet suits, boots are separate, 2.5mm to 5mm depending on temps! Ray

 

[Terry Soloman]

Please tell me what you think. And if anyone knows anything about these don't hesitate to chime in.. and thank you for any, and all help or advice.

Such a helpful and friendly group! Sorry I wasted my time here ;-)

Gotta give folks time to respond Greg. Reddington Crosswater Waders have worked well for me over four seasons with no leaks. be sure to use at least two wading belts. Good Luck.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I want use waders, I think they are dangerous in deep water. I have been walking and stepped in holes 6 foot deep, if waders fill up water they become dangerous.

I have picked up 3 wetsuits at garage sales very cheap, all different lengths, a, shorty, mid length and full length farmer johns. Farmer John's cost most used at $35, other 2 were under $20 each.

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[gamiller]

I agree with treasure hunter. A wet suit would seem safer.



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[OBN]

Those get a good review and a very good price, and I like the sock types better unless it is bitter cold. With the neoprene's put plastic bags on your feet if you have a problem getting into them or out, makes it much easier. I prefer drysuits over the waders but those waders will do the trick.. A belt and PFD will keep you safer Good Luck Joe

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Those get a good review and a very good price, and I like the sock types better unless it is bitter cold. With the neoprene's put plastic bags on your feet if you have a problem getting into them or out, makes it much easier. I prefer drysuits over the waders but those waders will do the trick.. A belt and PFD will keep you safer Good Luck Joe

If I could find a dry suit at a good price I would pick one up, not going to pay full price..

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[lawsonland]

Hi,
I just got this US Navy Seal Mustang MSD900 Tactical Immersion Work Dry Suit Liner not LBT | eBay
Used it a couple times and kept me dry and warm. The first time I just had on the thermal and drysuit layer and was a little warm, the next time I just used the drysuit with a t-shirt and shorts and was perfect.
As it gets colder I will add the the thermal layer or i really windy & cold I'll use the top - but will probably stay home.
I would go with a drysuit. Keep an eye on this
New NRS Men's Extreme Drysuit with Relief Zipper Large Gray Yellow | eBay
I am going to look into dry pants and a drytop for the spring

 

[GTzer]

For fishing & soon for MDing-I always preferred breathable lace boot waders. Good ankle support and ease for walking distances. Also-very light. Could never take the sand intrusion with wading boots. Used gaiters and still hated them. Some peoples preference.
For cold weather/water I just added stirrup fleece pants & wool socks. ALWAYS wear a belt-and a PFD. If you can't see the bottom- slide the lead foot and move slowly.
Some day I will look into wet & dry suits.

 

[wildcarrot]

I agree wet suits are the way to go...full suit keeps your upper body, chest, shoulders covered...you can zip down to vent if needed.
They are flexible to work in. Buy a pair of kayak surf booties with a sole on them and your set to go.

 

[OBN]

If I could find a dry suit at a good price I would pick one up, not going to pay full price..

 

[OBN]

Hi,
I just got this US Navy Seal Mustang MSD900 Tactical Immersion Work Dry Suit Liner not LBT | eBay

That's a great price Lawson, I was watching "that one" for a friend, it was 199.oo for a few days, then gone. I was trying to figure out what Not LBT meant. Those suits go for over 2 grand new...and can handle the worst of the worst, and like you said you can strip it down for lite duty or go hard core. Just like it says, Survival Suit

 

[saltwaterminer]

Every scoop brings my body into a lower position. I've had too many waves breaking over me to use waders. I think that would be dangerous. Secondly, as much a PITA wetsuits can be, they are refreshing on hot days and keep you comfortable on the cool days.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Every scoop brings my body into a lower position. I've had too many waves breaking over me to use waders. I think that would be dangerous. Secondly, as much a PITA wetsuits can be, they are refreshing on hot days and keep you comfortable on the cool days.

I hunt the Atlantic a lot, even in summer in Fla many times water is upside down and cold...

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[NCGREG]

Thank you all very much for the replies, and I do owe each and every one of you a personal apology for my impatient behaviour and my smart remark. Please forgive me for being so quick tempered. I am trying to work on that little glitch in my wiring. I have been kinda bogged down with some personal stuff for the past week or so and those issues just sorta made things worse....Anyway..

I thought about a wetsuit, but I am a big old man 6-2 / 250 pounder and staring at the 60 year mark. I hunt the beaches of N.C. when my health will permit me to do so, and in the Winter I don't mess around too deep in the surf never more than waist deep. And with my lower back problems these days I am starting to hunt shallower, knee deep or so.

As far as the Winter water temps go, I'd say probably somewhere in the 50's would be all that I could or would want to deal with. Mostly, as I was saying above I'm starting to lean more in to the shallower hunting during the dead of Winter season and out in the wet sand up to the dunes as beach cuts and wind / weather conditions permit.
I guess I really need to do a lot of thinking on this choice, I do like the looks of the military survival suits that you guys posted, and I do like the wetsuits, and the waders..... Good Lord !! ..... Which way to go??

Thank you all again, for your help and once again please overlook my statement.

And by the way, .. I am seriously considering getting an Excal and keeping my BHID for a backup, but I'll comeback and ask some questions about that in a few days.

Greg

 

[OBN]

 

[NCGREG]

Well, that video is very impressive and a fine example of what can be done in cold water/weather metal detecting. Thank you OBN for posting this, it definately gives me much to think about. I think the best thing for me to do is to keep my eyes peeled and watch Ebay for a good deal on something like this and to not make any rash decisions just yet.

Thanks again

 

[OBN]

Just wait and watch, and go larger then you need, makes on and off easier plus you can layer the cloths if needed.

 

[tiderider]

The thicker the suit the more buoyant one becomes, some May have to use belt weights , just to add, tiderider